Current Affairs - State

The Madhya Pradesh government decided to remove the two-child restriction that had previously disqualified individuals with more than two living children from government service recruitment. The decision also involved amendments to service and conduct rules that treated having more than two children as a ground for ineligibility or misconduct. Originally introduced in 2001 as a population-control measure, the policy applied to individuals with more than two children born on or after January 26, 2001. The move aligns Madhya Pradesh with other states such as Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, which had already withdrawn similar restrictions in earlier years.

Kerala approved the Priyadarshini scheme to offer free bus travel for women across all age groups and income categories. The benefit is initially available on ordinary services operated by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). The scheme forms part of the government's Indira Guarantee welfare initiatives aimed at enhancing mobility and reducing transportation expenses for women. The estimated monthly expenditure exceeds ₹60 crore, while the annual financial commitment is projected to be nearly ₹800 crore. Future expansion of the scheme to additional transport categories will depend on improvements in KSRTC’s financial condition and revenue generation.

The 20-kW FM transmitter was inaugurated in Ramgarh, Rajasthan, with the objective of enhancing communication connectivity across India's border regions. The transmitter is strategically important as it is designed to provide coverage along the border belt extending from Kashmir to Rajasthan. The initiative supports improved information dissemination, communication access, and infrastructure development in sensitive border areas. The announcement was made alongside updates on the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, under which railway stations in cities such as Jaisalmer, Alwar, Kota, and Ajmer are being upgraded. The project reflects the government's broader focus on strengthening border infrastructure and regional development.

Uttarakhand unveiled the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2026 with the objective of transforming the state into a major hub for science, technology, and information technology. The policy emphasises integrating modern research with traditional knowledge and focuses on emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Robotics, Drones, Space Technology, and Nanotechnology. It also proposes the establishment of Science Cities, Planetariums, Atal Tinkering Labs, and advanced Teaching-Learning Centres. The Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology will serve as the nodal agency, while digital initiatives like the STI Observatory will support researchers through improved access to scientific resources and information.

Project Ganga is a rural digital connectivity initiative launched by the Uttar Pradesh government to expand high-speed internet access in underserved rural areas. The project aims to connect approximately 20 lakh families, train around 8,000 digital entrepreneurs, and generate more than one lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities. It focuses on strengthening digital education, telemedicine, e-governance, and technology-based entrepreneurship. The initiative is being implemented in phases, beginning with 21 districts, and seeks to bridge the digital divide by ensuring reliable internet services and creating new livelihood opportunities across rural communities.